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Peace in the Lord! Welcome to the Website for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception! At this site I invite you to pass through "doorways" or links which give glimpses into the multi-faceted life of the Cathedral Parish. Also, I join with Bishop J. Terry Steib, Bishop of Memphis, in inviting you to come through the main doorway of our beautiful Cathedral and join us in worship and witness.

Lent

The message running throughout Lent is a call to a life of Gospel conversion. The theme speaks of beginning anew, of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving; of conversion; of mutual forgiveness; of renouncing hardness of heart; of love of enemies; of the absolute claims of justice and of a call to holiness. Lent is a perfect opportunity to take some time for ourselves, to slow down, examine our hearts and strive to deepen our intimacy with God. Our lives are often crowded with to-do lists, iPhones and Blackberries, appointments and projects. We need to find time to nourish our souls and spirits which often get neglected in our busy lives. So, find space and allow the Lenten season to sustain your life. If you need some ideas for devotions during Lent, click here.

Traditional Lenten Practices

Prepare:
The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, penitence, alms giving and self-denial for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ.

Abstinence:
No meat (or items made with meat) can be taken by those aged 14 and older on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.

Self-Denial:
Voluntary acts of self-denial are recommended on weekdays of Lent. Prayer and Charity: Can include daily Mass, Scripture study, Stations of the Cross, almsgiving, such as participating in Operation Rice Bowl, and showing mercy and kindness to others.

Exceptions:
Those that are excused from fast and abstinence include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women. In all cases, common sense should pre-vail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting.

Stations of the Cross

We will have Stations of the Cross each Friday during Lent at 5:30 pm in the Cathedral. If you would like to make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer, through meditating upon the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death, please plan to join us.

Friday Night Lenten Dinners

Every Friday during Lent from 5 - 6:30 pm in Marian Hall sponsored by the Knights of Columbus

Reconciliation

On Tuesday, March 28, at 7pm we have a unique opportunity to celebrate this Sacrament. The Cathedral parish will be joined by many parishes and other priests to celebrate this Sacrament. Take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate this wonderful Sacrament of healing as we examine our hearts and strive to deepen our intimacy with God.

Through the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, the Church offers followers of Christ an opportunity to share in God’s merciful love and be renewed in the community of the Church. Following the cross can often be difficult, but the guarantee of the cross is that sin and evil will be overcome. Acknowledging sin is a step forward in the Christian life. Whenever we turn to God in sorrow, God always meets us with forgiveness and healing. We invite you, especially during this Year of Mercy to walk through the Holy Door at the Cathedral, participate in this Sacrament and experience God’s Mercy. If it's been a while and you need to refresh yourself on the sacrament go here.

Catholic Relief Services Operation Rice Bowl

Be sure to pick up your rice bowl. As you make your sacrifices during Lent, fill the rice bowl and return it on Holy Thursday - rice bowls will be collected during our Mass of the Lord's Supper. To learn more - go to the CRS Rice Bowl Website.